From the editor’s desk

Published: Monday, March 3, 2014 1:07 p.m. CDT

No sense even writing about the weather ... I’m tired of trying to romanticize Mother Nature’s fury, and Old Man Winter isn’t heeding our weariness. What’s in store? Who knows, but there is a good feeling on the horizon.

This Sunday, Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. I will gleefully “spring forward” and set my clocks ahead an hour, which gives us an hour more of daylight each day — another hour to see all that beautiful white stuff on the ground! Ha! For some reason, the onset of Daylight Saving Time always makes spring feel a tad bit closer. We are ready. What an understatement!

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Lots of congratulations are in order:

• Congratulations to Jack Ritter of Bureau Valley South, who spelled his way to a Bureau County championship in the county spelling bee last Tuesday. Also congrats to runner-up Valerie Hernandez of DePue and all the other contestants who are champions in their own schools. I had the pleasure of judging the spelling bee again this year, and I applaud every student, not to mention the teachers and parents who help these young people get ready for this fun-filled event.

• Congratulations to the Annawan Bravettes who dribbled their way to a state championship. Also the Putnam County Panthers who won their regional championship on Friday. The Panthers head to Colfax on Wednesday for the sectional semi-final.

• Congratulations to Spring Valley’s Project Success in Spring Valley which has initiated an award program to publicly acknowledge area schools, churches, organizations and businesses that go above and beyond to help the Hall Township Food Pantry. Hats off as well to the first 15 award recipients Project Success recently named.

• And last but clearly not least, a huge congratulations to Princeton resident Austin Burrows, who has created a Facebook page called “Positive Life” and a blog he started. He also created a video. Burrows, 20, has done all this to offer people hope, as they go through many of life’s trials and tribulations. To date, he has about 1,400 “Likes” on his Facebook page and about 10,000 readers on the blog. In his words, he said the efforts are “pretty much open to any kind of problem you might have. It’s open to anyone who wants to put themselves out there to help relate to someone else or motivate them or let them know they’re not alone and everything is going to be alright.” Whoa! I am so impressed.

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Thought for Fat Tuesday: “Mardi Gras: For people who can’t wait for Halloween to look ridiculous.” Anonymous.

Thought for Lent, which begins on Wednesday: “Let’s hope this Lent we’re able to give up freezing our (behinds) off for 40 days.” Anonymous.

Per the aforementioned thoughts for Tuesday and Wednesday, Fat Tuesday is today, followed by the beginning of the Lenten season on Wednesday.

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Speaking of Lent, I know a lot of churches have special events prior to Easter, which is late this year — April 20. These fundraiser activities are integral to many area churches. Please support them with your attendance. Besides, they are usually a lot of fun.

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I’ve had several calls regarding our Spring 2014 Illinois Valley Living magazine. We are making the final touches right now, and it should be headed to the printer soon. Thanks for your patience. You won’t be disappointed! And for those of you who were anxious for our NorthCentral Illinois AgMag. They were mailed last week. I hope you are enjoying them.

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It’s difficult to believe two months have already been torn off our 2014 calendars. Please remember to take time for those you love ... and save some time for yourself. Be gentle with others and also be gentle with yourself too. Have a great week. And remember ... you are important to me and the BCR.